Exploratory & Pre-Professional Advising Center Undeclared (Non-Degree)

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Description

The Exploratory and Pre-Professional Advising Center (Explore Center) is the academic home for undeclared students. This includes students who are still deciding upon a major, transitioning between majors, or working on meeting the entrance requirements for a desired major. Undeclared is a non-degree granting program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and undeclared students are expected to declare a major in one of the Nebraska undergraduate colleges when they have completed their major exploration process. 

Advising

Professional academic advisors in the Explore Center engage undeclared students in major exploration, degree planning, and academic coursework selection. By working closely with all of the University’s colleges, Explore Center advisors help students design a general academic plan for one or more semesters that will allow them to progress toward a degree while also exploring the variety of opportunities offered by the University. Explore Center advisors also connect students with campus resources that will help further their major exploration and assist them in achieving academic success. Undeclared students are encouraged to meet with a professional academic advisor in the Explore Center early in their first semester at Nebraska to discuss interest areas and to develop a plan for major exploration. Additional information concerning major exploration can be found on the Explore Center website. 

Professional academic advisors in the Explore Center are available for individual student meetings on a drop-in or appointment basis. Undeclared students who have not yet chosen a major have an assigned Explore Center academic advisor, but are welcome to meet with any advisor in the Explore Center. Students can find their assigned advisor in MyRED. For complete and current information on Explore Center academic advising, visit https://explorecenter.unl.edu/about/appointment or contact the Explore Center by visiting 127 Love Library South or by calling 402-472-3605.

Major Declaration

Explore Center students can declare majors in any of the University’s undergraduate colleges. Admission requirements to declare into certain colleges may apply. If you have questions about meeting colleges’ academic requirements, see your Explore Center academic advisor. 
 

College Requirements

ACE Requirements

Consistent with the mission and values of the University, Achievement-Centered Education (ACE) is based on a shared set of four institutional objectives and 10 student learning outcomes. The ACE program was approved by faculty in all eight undergraduate colleges and endorsed by the Faculty Senate, the student government, and the Academic Planning Committee in January 2008 for implementation in Fall 2009. ACE aligns with current national initiatives in general education.
 

Key characteristics of ACE that demonstrate the benefits of the program to students:

  • Students receive a broad education with exposure to multiple disciplines, critical life skills, and important reasoning, inquiry, and civic capacities.
  • ACE is simple and transparent for students, faculty, and advisors. Students complete the equivalent of 3 credit hours for each of the ten student learning outcomes.
  • Students connect and integrate their ACE experiences with their selected major.
  • Students can transfer all ACE-certified courses across colleges within the institution to meet the ACE requirement and any course from outside the institution that is directly equivalent to a University of Nebraska–Lincoln ACE-certified course. Courses from outside institutions without direct equivalents may be considered with appropriate documentation for ACE credit (see academic advisor in a degree granting college/major).

ACE allows faculty to assess and improve their effectiveness and facilitate students’ learning.

ACE Institutional Objectives and Student Learning Outcomes

To meet the ACE program requirement a student will complete the equivalent of 3 credit hours for each of the ten ACE Student Learning Outcomes (a total of 30 ACE credit hours). See the ACE website for the most current information and the most recently certified courses. Students should meet with an Explore Center advisor to discuss the planning and completion of ACE courses and requirements.